Two area schools among 9 in Ga. named National Blue Ribbon Schools

WASHINGTON - Nine Georgia schools, including Mount Yonah Elementary in White County and Big Creek Elementary in Forsyth County, have been named 2011 National Blue Ribbon Schools by U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan.

The No Child Left Behind Blue Ribbon Schools award distinguishes and honors schools for helping students achieve at very high levels and for making significant progress in closing the achievement gap, according to Duncan.

There are seven public schools and two private schools in the state on the list.

"These seven (public) schools are to be commended for their outstanding student performance," said state School Superintendent Dr. John Barge. "I am thrilled that the students, teachers, and staff of these schools were recognized on a national level for excellence. These awards are just another example of some of the great things happening in our schools."

Blue Ribbon Schools are chosen in two categories:

- HIGH PERFORMING SCHOOLS: Schools that scored in the top 10 percent in student achievement.
- DRAMATICALLY IMPROVED SCHOOLS: Schools with at least 40 percent economically disadvantaged students that have dramatically improved student achievement to high levels.

The selection process for private schools is different. For more information, go to http://www.capenet.org/brs.html.

Georgia's winning schools will join other national winners at an awards ceremony on November 15 at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C. For more information on the Blue Ribbon Schools program, go to the Blue Ribbon Schools website at http://www.ed.gov/programs/nclbbrs/awards.html.

2011 GEORGIA BLUE RIBBON SCHOOLS

Public
- Big Creek Elementary, Forsyth County
- Calhoun High, Calhoun City Schools*
- Fulton Science Academy, Fulton County
- Mount Yonah Elementary, White County
- Peachtree City Elementary, Fayette County
- Shirley Hills Elementary, Houston County
- Timber Ridge Elementary, Cobb County
- Trion Elementary, Trion City Schools

*Pending final AYP results

Private
- Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic School
- Savannah Christian Preparatory School